Tumisho Masha Slams Malema Over Speech on General Shadrack Sibiya's Victims and Sugar Daddies

• Julius Malema delivered a speech at a public gathering on Saturday, 3 October 2026, calling on the government to be a 'sugar daddy' to young girls
• Actor Tumisho Masha fired back the following day, accusing Malema of appearing to shame victims of suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya
• Mzansi is divided over whether Malema was blaming victims or calling out a broken system that leaves young girls vulnerable

Julius Malema's speech at what appeared to be a political rally on 3 October 2026 has split South Africans down the middle. In the clip, the EFF leader argued that the government, not older men, should serve as the provider and protector of young girls — but the way he framed it has landed him in hot water.

Speaking into a handheld microphone before a crowd, Malema painted a picture of what a child's day should look like: arriving at school to eat breakfast, studying, playing after homework, and never having to seek out work or money.

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"I don't want young girls who go and sleep with Sibiya because they want money. Sugar daddies? Government must be a sugar daddy. No man must be a sugar daddy. We must support you and make sure you become children," he said.

Watch the speech that ignited the debate below:

Tumisho Masha blasts Malema over Sibiya speech

The very next day, actor Tumisho Masha took aim at Malema on social media. His post read:

"I don't want a president who thinks like he failed woodwork. What is this!? Is he insinuating Sibiya's victims were just looking for a sugar daddy and he didn't violate them? Maybe he got lost in translation? 🤷🏾‍♂️ Let's hear from the minions?"

See the post below:

The post came directly in the context of the ongoing case against suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, who was arrested on charges of rape, human trafficking, and the sexual grooming of a 16-year-old girl. The charges allege that Sibiya sexually groomed a teenager and raped an 18-year-old woman. The top cop also faces an additional charge.

Mzansi reacts after Tumisho Masha targets Malema

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The debate that followed online reflected deep divisions. Some felt Malema's critics were missing the point entirely, while others sided with Masha.

@SthembiD argued in defence of Malema's broader message:

"If our government had created enough resources/employment most young girls won't resort to dating older men for bare minimum...That doesn't mean they are to blame for that akere?"

@fortunendiyamba echoed that view:

"Listen again without hate. CIC is not blaming the victim; he is calling out the system. Sibiya is being used as a metaphor for sugar daddies/monsters/malumes who prey on desperate poor girls."

@AliTheOnlyDon sided with Masha:

"I understand you... it's like he is blaming the victim, saying it's the victim's fault because the victim needed a sugar daddy....this is not the victim's fault. I bet Sibiya's predatory behaviour would have gone after anyone. IT IS NOT THE VICTIM'S FAULT."

@RexonMorifbh was blunt:

"Malema is useless, and he thinks that he's smart. He is in the same camp with the criminals."

@Thopzin had little patience for Masha's intervention:

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"At this point and rate, you are just trying hard to be relevant, Tumisho."

@IshmaeKea took a broader view, suggesting outside forces were using the two men against each other:

"Young Malema in politics, young Tumisho in entertainment; what a combination of African child, but when jealousy of sponsor fear for status quo, uses other fellow to fight other."

Tumisho Masha takes aim at Julius Malema

This isn't the first time Tumisho Masha has criticised Malema. Briefly News previously reported that the seasoned actor co-signed a scathing assessment of Malema, saying the EFF leader has lost greater public trust and does not know how to apologise.

Mzansi was divided over the video, with some defending Malema while others said a leader who never admits fault cannot be trusted.

Source: Briefly News